Tourism Commission

Tourism Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 3:30 PM September 24, 2024 Mayor’s Boardroom Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org - Call to Order The Tourism Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:30 PM. 1. Introductions Present: Peter Frazier (Chair), Craig Jewell, Kelly Hart, Kevin Coleman, Marc Blake, Nick Kelly, Sara Holiday, Stephanie Morrell, Todd Elsworth, Hollie Huthman (Council Representative), Dylan Deane-Boyle (ex- officio) and Patricia Leach (ex-officio) Absent: Christine Jenkins and Matt Lesinski City Staff/Other Panelists: Tara Sundin, Darby Galligan, Tayor Webb, PCDD; John Purdie, Mount Baker Theatre 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting No minutes to approve. 3. Link to Meeting Video Click here to view the meeting Agenda Items 1. Downtown Activation Projects: Request for Proposals, Round 2 p. 2 Staff gave a brief overview of the updates made to the RFP. The goal is to release the RFP for round two of funding in early October. The Commissioners feel five weeks is a reasonable amount of time for the RFP to be open, so staff will reflect that timeline in the RFP update. The draft RFP will also go before the Bellingham Arts Commission for review before release. Dylan or Lindsay from Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism have agreed to sit on the review jury, and Nick Kelly has tentatively agreed to sit on the review jury. 2. Tourism Budget Overview p. 14 Staff gave an overview of the budget and detailed each line item. Members had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss. LTAC will vote to approve at the October meeting and further discussion will be held then. 3. Mt Baker Theater & Whatcom Museum Funding Proposals p. 16 Staff from Mt Baker Theater and Whatcom Museum gave presentations to the Commission discussing their performance over the past year. Topics included: budgets, marketing and promotions, attendees/ admissions, and year-to-year performance comparisons. Commissioners had the opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts on the agencies’ performance over the past year – all of which had positive feedback.  4. 2025 Tourism Grants and Signature Event Grants p. 17 Staff discussed technical difficulties with accessing the grant materials, scheduling for the LTAC Special Meeting to discuss signature grants, and explained the notes provided in the eligibility spreadsheet for a few applications. LTAC voting for Standard and Start Up grant applications will occur during the October Meeting. LTAC voting for the Signature Events will occur during the Special Meeting (date TBD). Other Business 1. Public Comment Period Josh Holland introduced himself to the Commission. Josh works for Daylight Properties and has a background in hospitality, entertainment, and business. He also works closely with the Hotel Leo and Columbia Properties. He understands there is a vacancy on the Commission and may consider applying. 2. For the Good of the Order, Legislative Issues, and Annoucements Adjourned at 5:11 pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Tourism Commission members.